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Banner Alzheimers Foundation (BAF), the philanthropic resource for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute (BAI), announces a $40 million campaign to advance some of the most challenging yet promising research to stop Alzheimer’s disease. The BAI Breakthrough will support cutting-edge studies aimed at treating and preventing the disease, state-of-the-art brain imaging and an unparalleled model of patient and family care.

The campaign will designate $15 million to help fund the groundbreaking research that BAI recently announced in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health and others. This prevention trial, which will span two countries, will test an amyloid immunization therapy and is the first ever conducted with cognitively healthy individuals who are certain to develop Alzheimer’s because of their genetic history.

The campaign’s remaining $25 million will support additional studies of both the preclinical and symptomatic stages of the disease; critical technology for a new 18,000-square-foot imaging center; and expansion of BAI’s comprehensive model of care to serve as the standard nationwide.

The BAI Breakthrough officially launched this spring with a $6 million gift from the Stead Family Foundation. Mary Joy and Jerre Stead are long-time supporters of BAI and chairs of the campaign’s leadership cabinet. He is also chairman of the BAF board.

“We absolutely believe prevention of Alzheimer’s will become a reality through BAI’s research efforts,” Jerre Stead says. “Yet, not only is BAI working on behalf of future generations, it is taking care of individuals and families dealing right now with the impact of this devastating disease. Mary Joy and I feel privileged to be a part of this effort and encourage others to get involved.”

About 5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, a debilitating and incurable disease of the brain. By 2030, that number could exceed 7.7 million, and by 2050, as many as 16 million Americans could have Alzheimer’s. The disease takes an enormous physical, emotional and financial toll on individuals, caregivers and families.

Dr. Eric Reiman, BAI executive director and CEO of Banner Research, applauds the role that philanthropy is playing here in advancing research and care.

“We could not be more grateful to Jerre and Mary Joy Stead for their leadership, passion and extraordinary support—and to so many people who provide the resources needed for us to fulfill our ambitious goals,” Reiman says. “Their support makes it possible for BAI to provide hope and help, research and care, and to give us the chance to make a transformational difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.”

The campaign is a collaboration between a team of renowned scientists and clinicians and an outstanding group of individuals, corporations and foundations dedicated to funding the breakthrough that could change lives for generations to come.

More information about Banner Alzheimers Foundation and The BAI Breakthrough or the work of BAI can be found at www.banneralz.org.